As the 2025-26 college basketball season approaches, the University of Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball program is undergoing significant changes in both its roster and coaching staff. After an exhilarating 2024-25 season, which included a deep run in the NCAA tournament, Alabama is looking to reload and position itself for another competitive campaign in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and beyond. One of the primary ways this is being achieved is through strategic moves in the NCAA Transfer Portal, which has become an essential tool for building a balanced and competitive team in today’s college basketball landscape.
The 2025-26 offseason is pivotal for Alabama as head coach Nate Oats works to strengthen a roster that saw several key departures after the previous season, but also looks to build upon the momentum created by rising stars and veterans. With the increasing importance of the transfer portal, Alabama’s basketball program is working hard to make sure that its team remains competitive at the highest level, combining established talent with new faces capable of making an immediate impact.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Alabama basketball’s 2025-26 roster, focusing on the offseason additions through the transfer portal, as well as departures, key returning players, and what the team’s makeup could look like for the upcoming season.
The Importance of the Transfer Portal in College Basketball
The transfer portal has completely changed the landscape of college basketball over the past several years. With more players seeking opportunities for increased playing time, better fit, or a chance to play for more competitive programs, the portal has become a valuable resource for coaches to fill in gaps on their roster.
For Alabama basketball, the transfer portal offers a way to fill critical needs without waiting for high school recruits to develop. Coach Nate Oats has embraced the transfer portal as a tool to bring in experienced players who can make an immediate impact. After successful forays into the portal in the past few seasons, the Crimson Tide are once again aiming to use the portal to strengthen their roster and ensure that the team remains a powerhouse in the SEC and on the national stage.
Departures: Key Players Leaving the Program
While Alabama’s roster for the 2025-26 season is looking promising, it is important to address the players who have departed, as their absence will have a significant impact on the team’s makeup.
1. Brandon Miller (NBA Draft)
One of the biggest departures for Alabama comes in the form of Brandon Miller, who declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. Miller, a 6’9″ forward, was a standout player for Alabama during the 2024-25 season, earning SEC Player of the Year honors and helping lead the team to a successful NCAA tournament run. His scoring, rebounding, and versatility were key to Alabama’s offensive and defensive schemes. Replacing Miller’s production will be a difficult task, but Alabama’s coaching staff is confident that the combination of returning players and portal additions can help mitigate the loss.
2. Mark Sears (Transfer)
Mark Sears, the experienced guard who transferred to Alabama from Ohio, was another key contributor in 2024-25. Sears played a vital role in the backcourt, providing scoring and leadership. With his decision to transfer, Alabama will need to find a new primary ball-handler and floor general to take over his responsibilities. This position will likely be one of the most important to address in the transfer portal.
3. Noah Clowney (NBA Draft)
Noah Clowney, Alabama’s standout freshman forward, also declared for the NBA Draft after a solid season. His athleticism, shot-blocking, and rebounding made him a key piece of the Tide’s defense and frontcourt rotation. His departure, while expected due to his impressive potential, leaves a hole in Alabama’s interior defense and rebounding. His replacement could come from the portal or from the incoming freshman class.
4. Jaden Bradley (Transfer)
Jaden Bradley, a guard who had an up-and-down tenure at Alabama, entered the transfer portal following the 2024-25 season. Bradley’s departure further emphasizes the need for Alabama to bolster its guard depth and find a reliable facilitator and scorer in the backcourt. His exit creates an additional void that will need to be addressed through recruiting or the transfer portal.
Key Returners: Building Around Established Talent
Despite the departures, Alabama still has several key players returning for the 2025-26 season. These players will be critical to the success of the Crimson Tide and will help ensure that the team remains competitive as they look to build on the success of the previous seasons.
1. Jahvon Quinerly (Guard)
Jahvon Quinerly, a veteran guard who has been a fixture in the Alabama backcourt, will be one of the cornerstones for the 2025-26 season. Known for his leadership, playmaking ability, and scoring, Quinerly will be called upon to provide stability in a backcourt that has lost key players. His ability to facilitate the offense and make clutch plays will be crucial as Alabama looks to build around him.
2. Dom Welch (Forward)
Dom Welch is a versatile forward who provides solid defense, rebounding, and scoring. His experience and leadership will be essential as Alabama’s frontcourt looks to fill the void left by Miller and Clowney. Welch’s ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions gives him a unique role in Oats’ system, and his contributions will be important in keeping the Crimson Tide competitive.
3. Charles Bediako (Center)
Charles Bediako, Alabama’s starting center, will anchor the defense and provide a presence in the paint. His rim protection and rebounding were crucial to the team’s success last season, and his continued development will be essential for Alabama in 2025-26. Bediako’s ability to block shots and contribute on the offensive glass will be key to the Tide’s success in the upcoming campaign.
4. Rylan Griffen (Guard)
Rylan Griffen showed flashes of brilliance in the previous season, demonstrating his scoring ability and basketball IQ. As a guard who can stretch the floor and create his own shot, Griffen will be an important piece for Alabama. His development will be critical as the Crimson Tide look to replace the scoring and playmaking void left by Sears and Bradley.
Transfer Portal Additions: Filling Critical Needs
As mentioned earlier, the transfer portal is crucial for Alabama’s roster-building strategy. With key departures in both the backcourt and frontcourt, Alabama will need to add talent that can contribute immediately. The following are some of the most notable transfer portal additions for the 2025-26 season:
1. Tyrese Proctor (Guard, Duke)
One of the most high-profile additions for Alabama is Tyrese Proctor, a talented guard from Duke. Proctor, known for his scoring ability, passing, and defensive prowess, is expected to step into a major role in the backcourt. With Quinerly as the veteran leader, Proctor’s ability to facilitate the offense and score will be crucial in helping the Tide adjust to the loss of Sears and Bradley. His experience at Duke will also be an asset as Alabama faces tough SEC competition.
2. Arthur Kaluma (Forward, Creighton)
Arthur Kaluma, a dynamic forward from Creighton, adds much-needed versatility and scoring to Alabama’s frontcourt. Kaluma, who had an impressive season with the Bluejays, is expected to provide a scoring punch while also contributing as a rebounder and defender. His ability to stretch the floor and play multiple positions will give Coach Oats more flexibility in his lineup and help to replace the production left behind by Miller and Clowney.
3. AJ Johnson (Guard, Texas)
AJ Johnson is a talented young guard who made a splash at Texas before entering the transfer portal. Known for his athleticism and ability to score in a variety of ways, Johnson will add depth and competition to Alabama’s backcourt. His ability to create his own shot and his playmaking ability will be crucial in providing relief for Quinerly and Griffen as they take on larger roles in the offense.
4. Nick Smith Jr. (Guard, Arkansas)
Nick Smith Jr., a highly ranked guard from Arkansas, was one of the biggest names to enter the transfer portal and was quickly picked up by Alabama. Smith’s skill set as a scorer and distributor will be essential to Alabama’s backcourt depth. His ability to impact the game both as a scorer and facilitator makes him a key addition for the Crimson Tide, especially in light of the departures of Sears and Bradley.
5. Cam Whitmore (Forward, Villanova)
Cam Whitmore, a versatile forward from Villanova, will bring leadership and experience to Alabama’s frontcourt. Known for his defensive prowess and ability to score in transition, Whitmore is expected to have an immediate impact. His strength and athleticism will help shore up Alabama’s defense while adding another scoring option in the post.
Incoming Freshmen: The Future of Alabama Basketball
In addition to transfer portal additions, Alabama has also secured some promising incoming freshmen who will look to contribute immediately. These young players could play significant roles as they adjust to the demands of college basketball.
1. Kaleb Beasley (Guard)
Kaleb Beasley is a highly ranked guard who brings scoring ability and playmaking skills to the team. His development will be critical as Alabama looks to build around Quinerly and its other veteran guards. Beasley’s shooting ability and basketball IQ could make him a valuable asset off the bench or even as a potential starter.
2. Miles Colvin (Forward)
Miles Colvin is an exciting forward prospect who is expected to add depth to Alabama’s frontcourt. Known for his athleticism and versatility, Colvin has the potential to make an impact as a freshman. His defensive ability and rebounding prowess could make him a key contributor to the team.
